Ahead of kharif season, Dharwad deputy commissioner warns traders against strict measures that ‘create artificial scarcity’

Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. during a video conference with officials and seed and fertilizer traders and farmer leaders on Friday after the onset of monsoon in the first week of June. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Following early showers and expected onset of monsoon in the first week of June, farmers in Dharwad district have already started pre-sowing activities and Deputy Commissioner Dharwad Snehal R. held a video conference with officials and seed and fertilizer dealers and farmer leaders on Friday.

The deputy commissioner warned of strict action against traders trying to create artificial scarcity of seeds and fertilizers and those trying to rip off farmers.

It directed officials to keep an eye on unfair business practices and set up vigilance teams and submit regular reports on availability and related issues. She asked them to ensure timely availability of seed and fertilizer.

The deputy commissioner told the agriculture department officials to ensure that no unauthorized and spurious seeds and fertilizers enter the market and confirm the availability of quality seeds and fertilizers to farmers.

Any complaint of fleece, poor quality should be dealt with immediately and any negligence would be dealt with seriously, she said.

Ms. Snehal said there was some delay in the supply of fertilizers due to the war in West Asia and based on demand at the national and state levels. However, the required quantity of seeds and fertilizer was available in Dharwad district for the kharif season and the same was distributed.

Farmers did not have to panic and could buy seeds from Raitha Sampark Kendras and urea from fertilizer sales centres, she said.

It also warned that any unfair business practice will result in the immediate revocation of the license of such shops.

The Deputy Commissioner said that a sowing target of 2,82,677 hectares has been set for the kharif season. Paddy, jowar, maize, millet and pulses are grown mainly during the kharif season.

After selling 3,106.04 tonnes of various fertilizers from April to May 21, the district still had a stock of 24,793.76 MT.

The Deputy Commissioner also asked the farmers to contact the Deputy Director of Agriculture of the respective taluks or the Joint Director of Agriculture in case of any complaints.

Joint Director of Agriculture Manjunath Antaravalli informed about sowing target, availability of seeds and fertilizers. Along with taluk and district level officials, various farmer leaders participated in the video conference and shared their views and concerns.

Published – 23 May 2026 0:45 AM IST